Greece
Posting Employees to Greece – When Does the Posted Workers Directive Apply?
Are you planning to send an employee to Greece? Then you should be aware that in many cases it is legally required to register the posting under the Posted Workers Directive (PWD) – and it can be a complex process.
When is PWD registration required in Greece?
A Posted Workers Directive (PWD) registration is required when an employee is temporarily sent to Greece to work and may be required if the following criteria are met (in whole or in part):
The company is established outside Greece
The work is carried out for a Greek beneficiary
If the work creates value for a company in Greece or your own company
Wages and employment conditions must comply with the applicable Greek labour regulations and any collective agreements.
Seafaring personnel: If you are a shipping company posting seafarers on ships flying the Greek flag or operating in Greek waters, special rules apply
An so on…
Special requirements in Greece
Greece has some of the strictest PWD requirements in the EU:
- Documentation must be prepared and submitted in Greek
- You are obliged to send the necessary information to the competent labour inspection authority in the area where the work is performed
- The employee must not be self-employed
- Wages, working hours and other conditions must comply with Greek legislation and collective agreements
🔗 See the official guidelines here (Greek Ministry of Labour)
Missing or incorrect PWD registration can have serious consequences
Failure to properly register or handle the Posting of Workers Directive (PWD) can lead to significant legal and operational risks for companies operating across borders. These include:
- Heavy fines for the company: National authorities across the EU take PWD compliance seriously. Failing to submit the correct documentation, missing deadlines, or providing inaccurate information can result in substantial fines.
- Expulsion of the employee from the workplace: If an employee is found to be working without valid PWD registration or in breach of local labor rules, authorities may demand their immediate removal from the site.
- Damage to the company’s reputation and employer brand: Non-compliance can harm a company’s reputation both locally and internationally. It signals poor internal governance and a lack of regard for workers’ rights and local laws.